Barack Obama's Swaggiest Outfits, From Suits To Swimsuits

Warning: nostalgia ahead (along with great style).
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Barack Obama’s style journey started with pleated khakis and shoes with holes in the soles. It’s paved with controversial tan suits, infamous dad jeans and, most recently, cool leather jackets.

The former president, who has always had a keen sense of swagger, went from fur-collared jackets to business suits, and from presidential suits to swimsuits. These days, even his professional wear is a bit less buttoned-up (literally and figuratively).

Former first lady Michelle Obama and super stylish daughters Malia and Sasha get most of the attention in the family when it comes to style, but it’s time we give Obama credit for the fashion icon he’s become in his own right. (He had so far to go!)

In honor of his birthday on August 4, we’re taking a look back at the former head of state’s sartorial evolution over the years.

Sigh. The nostalgia is real.

1979
Laura S. L. Kong via Getty Images
1979
Laura S. L. Kong via Getty Images
1990
Joe Wrinn/Harvard University via Getty Images
1990
Joe Wrinn/Harvard University via Getty Images
1990
Boston Globe via Getty Images
1990s
2000
2004
2005
Alex Wong via Getty Images
2005
Albert L. Ortega via Getty Images
2005
Jed Jacobsohn via Getty Images
2006
Getty Images
2007
2007
Bloomberg via Getty Images
2007
Getty Images
2008
Getty Images
2009
Brooks Kraft via Getty Images
2009
Jim Young / Reuters
2009
SAUL LOEB via Getty Images
2011
Pool via Getty Images
2011
The Washington Post via Getty Images
2011
Pool via Getty Images
2012
AFP
2013
NICHOLAS KAMM via Getty Images
2013
MANDEL NGAN via Getty Images
2013
JEWEL SAMAD via Getty Images
2013
MANDEL NGAN via Getty Images
2014
Alex Wong via Getty Images
2014
WHITE HOUSE POOL (ISP POOL IMAGES) via Getty Images
2014
Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
2015
SAUL LOEB via Getty Images
2015
YURI GRIPAS via Getty Images
2015
Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images
2016
Pool via Getty Images
2016
YURI GRIPAS via Getty Images
2016
NICHOLAS KAMM via Getty Images
2016
BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI via Getty Images
2017
Jack Brockway via Getty Images
2017
NICHOLAS KAMM via Getty Images
2017
Barcroft Media via Getty Images
2017
Fotogramma / Splash News
2017
Associated Press
2017
Jamie McCarthy via Getty Images
Obama speaks at Goalkeepers 2017, at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City.
2017
Scott Halleran via Getty Images
Presidents Obama, G.W. Bush and Bill Clinton pose at the first tee during the first round of the Presidents Cup at Liberty National Golf Club in Jersey City, New Jersey.
2017
Chris Jackson via Getty Images
Obama and Prince Harry enjoy the Invictus Games in Toronto, Canada.
2017
Scott Olson via Getty Images
Former first Lady Michelle and former president Barack Obama are introduced at the inaugural Obama Foundation Summit in Chicago.
2018
The Washington Post via Getty Images
Obama walks by his presidential portrait at the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery in Washington, DC.
2018
Getty Editorial
Obama attends a powhiri with New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern.
2018
Kevin Mazur via Getty Images
Obama attends the 2019 Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Ripple Of Hope Awards.

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